Extruded connecting profile

ABSTRACT

An extruded connecting profile for two panels having peripheral edges includes a first frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side, the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a first panel of the two panels. A second frame element is also provided having a front side and an opposite rear side the front side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a second panel of the two panels. An elastic structure extending between the first and second frame elements is co-extruded with the first and second frame elements and is comprised of a material having a higher elasticity than the material of the first and second frame elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an extruded connectingprofile for two panels, in particular for panels of a movable wallstructure

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] So called movable wall structures are conventionally used inorder to divide large enclosed spaces into a plurality of smaller roomsor to cover walls. They are substantially constituted by frameworkscomposed of uprights, which are secured between the ceiling and thefloor, by possible cross-members arranged between pairs of uprights, andby panels which are applied and secured to the uprights in variousmanners. The panels may be made of an opaque material, e.g. wood orsynthetic material, or of a transparent material, such as e.g. glass orPlexiglas®.

[0003] When building a large partition, a number of panels are assembledend to end between two uprights. In such a case, it is desirable toavoid gaps between two adjacent panels, for aesthetic and insulationreasons. Therefore, a connecting profile is generally inserted betweenthe adjacent peripheral edges of two successive panels. However,depending on the manufacturing tolerances, the size of the panels mayvary from one panel to another, whereby the size of the gap between twopanels may also vary. This is a recurrent problem, which complicates theassembly of such structures, since the connecting profiles provided forthe panels of a given structure are generally of a single type with aunique thickness.

[0004] WO 95/32343 describes a modular partition system wherein adjacentedges of two neighbouring panels are assembled by means of coextruded,siamesed frame members. Such siamesed frame members consist of twoidentical frame members, which are U-shaped in cross-section, and eachhave a bottom transverse wall and a pair of upstanding parallel sidewalls in a spaced apart relationship defining therebetween alongitudinally extending channel for engaging a respective edge of apanel. A flexible web interconnects the siamesed frame members, andconstitutes a hinge allowing to locate the frame members at differentangular relationships The flexible web is arranged in such a way as tonot line up with the mouths of the channels, so that it forms a recessbetween the flexible web and the bottom walls of the frame members, thatclosely conforms to the outer configuration of a third, identical framemember, that can be nested therebetween to assemble panels in a T-shapedconfiguration.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Hence, there is a need for a connecting profile that can beeasily mounted in-between two panels, even if the size of the gap mayvary. This object is achieved by an extruded connecting profile asclaimed in claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an extrudedconnecting profile for two panels is proposed. It comprises a firstframe element having a front side and an opposite rear side, the frontside being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of the first panel. Asecond frame element has a front side and an opposite rear side, thefront side being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of the secondpanel, which is adjacent to the peripheral edge of the first panel. Theextruded connecting profile further comprises an elastic structureextending between the first and second frame elements. This elasticstructure is co-extruded with the first and second frame elements andconsists of a material having a higher elasticity than the material ofthe first and second frame elements.

[0007] The extruded connecting profile according to the invention thushas two rigid frame elements engaging the adjacent peripheral edges oftwo successive panels, and has an elastic structure. The elasticity ofthis elastic structure allows compression of the connecting profile,while the rigid frame elements remain in engagement with the panels. Itfollows that the present connecting profile can adapt to the size of thegap between the two panels. The connecting profile is particularlysuited to be used in a movable wall structure, where it can connecteither wall panels or window panels Furthermore, the manufacturing ofthe present connecting profile is carried out by a co-extrusion process,which is relatively simple and quick.

[0008] The first and second frame elements are essentially parallel toeach other. The elastic structure comprises two transverse webs, each ofthem joining the rear side of the first frame element to the rear sideof the second frame element. The connecting profile is thus particularlyadapted for connecting the peripheral edges of two aligned, successivepanels.

[0009] The transverse webs of the elastic structure are advantageouslysymmetrically arranged, so as to ensure a homogenous deformation of theelastic structure.

[0010] Each of the first and second frame elements are preferablyprovided with a pair of longitudinal profiled border elements, whicheach define a border surface on the front sides of the frame elements,so that the front sides are better adapted to engage the peripheraledges of the panels. In case the peripheral edges of the first andsecond panels comprise chamfered corners, the profiled border elementsshould each define an oblique border surface, so that the front sidesare better adapted to engage the chamfered corners.

[0011] Each of the profiled border elements may further comprise a lipprotruding on the rear side of the first frame element, respectively thesecond frame element. For example, the lips of the profiled borderelements of the first frame element may be adapted to engage with thelips of the profiled border elements of the second frame element, whensaid sealing strip is compressed. Alternatively, the lips may beconfigured in such a way as to come into abutment against each other inthe maximal compressed state of the connecting profile.

[0012] As explained herein before, the frame elements are made of a morerigid material than the elastic structure. A variety of materials,namely synthetic materials, are suitable either for the frame elementsor for the elastic structure. However, the elastic structure ispreferably made of an olefin thermoplastic polymer. Regarding the frameelements, preferred materials are polymethyl methacrylate andpolycarbonates.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, an extrudedconnecting profile for a multiple panel structure is proposed. Itcomprises a first extruded connecting profile according to the firstaspect of the invention to be mounted between a first pair of adjacentpanels. It further comprises a second extruded connecting profileaccording to the first aspect of the invention to be mounted between asecond pair of adjacent panels, parallel to the first pair of panels andspaced therefrom. A spacing structure connects the first extrudedconnecting profile and the second extruded connecting profile in-betweenthe first and second pairs of panels. In a preferred embodiment, thespacing structure is connected at one end to a first frame element ofthe first connecting profile and is connected at the other end to afirst frame element of the second connecting profile.

[0014] The spacing structure is preferably made of a rigid material,such as that of the frame elements.

[0015] The connecting profile according to the second aspect of theinvention is particularly adapted for a movable wall structure withdouble walls. It allows for connection between adjacent panels, with avariable gap size. Moreover, the rigidity of the spacing structureenables a proper spacing of the panels rows, which ensures a flatsurface of the movable wall structure.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, an extruded cornerprofile for two panels forming a corner is proposed. The extruded cornerprofile comprises a first frame element having a front side and anopposite rear side, the front side being shaped for engaging an outeredge portion of a peripheral edge of the first panel. It also comprisesa second frame element having a front side and an opposite rear side,the front side being shaped for engaging an outer edge portion of aperipheral edge of the second panel, the peripheral edge of the secondpanel being adjacent to the peripheral edge of the first panel. Theextruded corner profile further includes a central frame elementin-between the first and second frame elements. This central frameelement has, about an inner end thereof, a longitudinal retaining borderelement for engaging inner edge portions of the peripheral edges of thefirst and second panels. Furthermore, the first and second frameelements are each connected to the central frame element by means ofconnecting webs co-extruded with the first, second and central frameelements. Moreover, the connecting webs are made of a material having ahigher elasticity than that of the first, second and central frameelements.

[0017] The elasticity of the connecting webs allows compression of theconnecting profile between the inner edge portions of the panels, whilethe rigid frame elements remain in engagement with the outer edgeportions of the panels. It follows that the present connecting profilecan adapt to the size of the gap between the peripheral edges of the twopanels.

[0018] Generally, the peripheral edges of said first and second panelswill comprise chamfered corners. Hence, each of the first and secondframe elements may comprise a longitudinal profiled border elementadapted to engage a chamfered outer edge portion of the panels.

[0019] Besides, each of the longitudinal profiled border elements of thefirst and second frame elements may comprise a lip protruding on therear side of the first frame element, respectively the second frameelement. The central frame element may thus comprise a longitudinalprofiled border element opposite the inner end, having a first lipprotruding towards the border element of the first frame element and asecond lip protruding towards the border element of the second frameelement. These lips shall be configured in such a way as to engage witheach other when the corner profile is compressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will now be described, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIGS. 1 to 3: are sectional views of a first embodiment of anextruded connecting profile according to the invention;

[0022]FIG. 4: is a sectional view of a second embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 5: is a sectional view of a third embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile according to the invention;

[0024]FIG. 6: is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of aconnecting profile for a double walled structure;

[0025]FIG. 7 to 9: are sectional views of a preferred embodiment of acorner profile.

[0026] In the Figures, same reference numbers indicate similar oridentical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 3 show sectional views of a first embodiment of anextruded connecting profile 10 in accordance with the invention, theconnecting profile 10 being mounted in a gap between two panels 12 and14 of a movable wall structure in FIGS. 2 and 3. These two panels may bemade of a translucent material (e.g. glass or Plexiglas®) or of anopaque material (e.g. wood or synthetic material). The connectingprofile 10 comprises a first frame element 16 having a front side 18 andan opposite rear side 20, the front side 18 being shaped for engaging aperipheral edge 22 of the first panel 12. Reference sign 24 indicates asecond frame element, essentially parallel to the first frame element16, which has a front side 26 and an opposite rear side 28. The frontside 26 of this second frame element 24 is shaped for engaging aperipheral edge 30 of the second panel 14, which is adjacent to theperipheral edge 22 of the first panel 16. The connecting profile 10further comprises an elastic structure extending between the first 16and second 24 frame elements. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,the elastic structure comprises two transverse webs 32 and 32′, each ofthem joining the rear side 20 of the first frame element 16 to the rearside 28 of the second frame element 24. These transverse webs 32 and 32′are co-extruded with the first 16 and second 24 frame elements andconsist of a material having a higher elasticity than the material ofthe first 16 and second 24 frame elements. As can be seen, thetransverse webs 32 and 32′ are advantageously symmetrically arranged soas to ensure a homogeneous deformation of the connecting profile 10.

[0028] The elastic structure of the connecting profile 10 allows thelatter to easily adapt to gaps of various sizes. In FIG. 3, theconnecting profile 10 is shown in its minimal compression state, i.e.the elastic structure is almost not compressed. In FIG. 2, theconnecting profile 10 is shown in its maximal compression state. Sincethe first frame element 16 and second frame element 24 are more rigidthan the elastic structure, they are essentially not deformed and remainin proper engagement with the peripheral edges 22 and 30 when the sizeof the gap is reduced, whereas the elastic structure is compressed.

[0029] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the first 16 and second24 frame elements has a pair of longitudinal profiled border elementsindicated 34 and 34′, respectively 36 and 36′. Each of these profiledborder elements 34, 34′, 36 and 36′ defines an oblique border surface38, 38′, 40 and 40′ on their respective front sides 18 and 26. The frontsides 18 and 26 are thus adapted to engage the chamfered corners of theperipheral edges 22 and 30 of the panels 12 and 14.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the profiled border elements 34, resp. 34′,of the first frame element 16 are provided with a short lip 42, resp.42′, protruding on the rear side 20 thereof. The profiled borderelements 36 and 36′ of the second frame element 24 are each providedwith an extended lip 44, resp. 44′, protruding on the rear side 28thereof. These extended lips 44 and 44′ of the second frame element 24are configured in such a way as to engage with the short lips 42 and 42′on the first frame element 16 when the connecting profile 10 iscompressed, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0031] Turning now to FIG. 4, a sectional view of a second embodiment ofan extruded connecting profile 110 is shown, which is similar to theconnecting profile 10 of FIG. 1. The connecting profile 110 comprises afirst frame element 116 having a front side 118 and an opposite rearside 120, the front side 118 being shaped for engaging a peripheral edgeof a first panel (not shown). Reference sign 124 indicates a secondframe element, essentially parallel to the first frame element 116,which has a front side 126 and an opposite rear side 128. The front side126 of this second frame element 124 is shaped for engaging an adjacentperipheral edge of a second panel (not shown). The connecting profile110 further comprises an elastic structure, preferably formed by a pairof transverse webs 132 and 132′ joining the rear side 120 of the firstframe element 116 to the rear side 128 of the second frame element 124.These transverse webs 132 and 132′ are co-extruded with the first frameelement 116 and the second frame element 124 and are made of a materialhaving a higher elasticity than the material of the first 116 and second124 frame elements.

[0032] As for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the connecting profile 110of FIG. 4 is provided with a pair of profiled border elements 134 and134′, resp. 136 and 136′, on each of the frame elements 116 and 124respectively. In contrast to FIG. 1, each of the frame elements 116,resp. 124, of the connecting profile 110 is provided with a short lip142, resp. 144′, and with an extended lip 142′, resp. 144, whichprotrude on the rear side 120, resp. 128, of their respective frameelement 116, 124. Here again, these lips 142, 142′, 144 and 144′ areconfigured in such a way that the extended lips 142′ and 144 engage withthe corresponding short lips 142 and 144′ when the connecting device 110is compressed.

[0033] In FIG. 5, is shown a sectional view of third embodiment of anextruded connecting profile 210. The connecting profile 210 comprises afirst frame element 216 having a front side 218 and an opposite rearside 220, the front side 218 being shaped for engaging a peripheral edgeof a first panel (not shown). Reference sign 224 indicates a secondframe element, essentially parallel to the first frame element 216,which has a front side 226 and an opposite rear side 228. The front side226 of this second frame element 224 is shaped for engaging an adjacentperipheral edge of a second panel (not shown). The connecting profile210 further comprises an elastic structure, preferably formed by a pairof transverse webs 232, 232′ joining the rear side 220 of the firstframe element 216 to the rear side 228 of the second frame element 224.These transverse webs 232 and 232′ are co-extruded with the first andsecond frame elements 216, 224 and are made of a material having ahigher elasticity than the material of the first 216 and second 224frame elements.

[0034] Furthermore, the connecting profile 210 of FIG. 5 is providedwith a pair of profiled border elements 234 and 234′, resp. 236 and236′, on each of the frame elements 216 and 224 respectively. Each ofthe border elements 234, 234′, 236, 236′ is provided with a curved lip142, 142′, 144, 144′ protruding on the rear side of the respective frameelements. The curved lips 142, 142′ of the first frame element 116 comeinto abutment with the curved lips 144, 144′ of the second frame element224 when the connecting profile 210 is approximately compressed to itsmaximal state.

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of an extrudedconnecting profile 310 for a double-walled movable wall structure isshown. Reference sign 312 and 314 indicate a first pair of aligned,successive panels and reference signs 312′ and 314′ indicate a secondpair of aligned successive panels, parallel to the first pair 312, 314and spaced therefrom.

[0036] The extruded connecting profile 310 comprises a first and asecond connecting profile, indicated 316 and 316′, which are similar tothe connecting profile of FIG. 4. Accordingly, these connecting profiles316 and 316′ each comprise a first frame element 318, resp. 318′, and asecond frame element 320, resp. 320′, and an elastic structure,extending between the frame elements. The elastic structure of eachconnecting profile 316, resp. 316′, consists of a pair of transversewebs 322, resp. 322′.

[0037] Reference sign 324 indicates a spacing structure joining thefirst frame element 318 of the first connecting profile 316 to the firstframe element 318′ of the second connecting profile 316′ in-between thetwo pairs of panels 312, 314 and 312′, 314′. This spacing structure 324is advantageously made of the same rigid material as the first frameelements 318 and 318′ and second frame elements 320 and 320′. In theshown embodiment, the spacing structure 324 is an essentiallyrectangular frame, with a central reinforcing web 326.

[0038] The connecting profiles shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are particularlyadapted for connecting two successive panels which are essentiallyaligned. When two panels forming a corner are to be connected, theextruded corner profile 410 shown in FIG. 7 can be used. This cornerprofile 410 is particularly adapted for two panels 412 and 414 disposedat right angle, see FIG. 8. These panels thus define an inner angle,indicated A1. Accordingly, the part of the peripheral edge of a panel onthe side of this inner angle may be called inner edge portion, whereasthe part of the peripheral edge opposed to the inner edge portion may becalled outer edge portion. The first and second panels 412, resp. 414,thus each have an inner edge portion 412′, resp. 414′, and an outer edgeportion 412″, resp. 414″.

[0039] This extruded corner profile 410 comprises a first frame element416 having a front side 418 and an opposite rear side 420. The frontside 418 is shaped for engaging the outer edge portion 412″ of theperipheral edge of the first panel 412, see FIG. 8. Reference sign 422indicates a second frame element having a front side 424 and an oppositerear side 426. The first frame element 416 and the second frame element422 are perpendicularly arranged with respect to each other. The frontside 424 of the second frame element 422 is shaped for engaging theouter edge portion 414″ of the peripheral edge of the second panel 414.

[0040] The corner profile 410 further comprises a central frame element428 lying in a bisecting plane of the angle A1 defined by the panels 412and 414. It includes, about its inner end, a longitudinal retainingborder element 430 for engaging the inner edge portions 412′ and 414′ ofthe peripheral edges of the first and second panels 412 and 414.

[0041] Furthermore, the first and second frame elements 416, 422 areeach connected to the central frame element 428 by means of a pair ofconnecting webs 432, 434. The pairs of connecting webs 432, 434 areco-extruded with the first 416, second 422 and central 428 frameelements and are made of a material having a higher elasticity than thatof the first 416, second 422 and central 428 frame elements.

[0042] Each of the two frame elements 416 and 422 has a longitudinalprofiled border 436, resp. 438, which defines an oblique border surface440, resp. 442, so as to obtain a proper engagement with the chamferedshape of the outer edge portions 412″, resp. 414″, of the peripheraledges of the panels 412 and 414. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, theinner edge portion 412′, 414′ of each panel is in abutment against theretaining border element 430 of the central frame element 428, whereasthe outer edge portion 412″, 414″ of each panel is in abutment against aframe element 416, resp. 422.

[0043] Such a structure allows the corner profile 410 to adapt to thesize of the gap between the two panels. In FIG. 9, the corner profile410 is shown in its maximal compression state. The inner edge portions412′ and 414′ of the panels are completely applied onto the centralframe element 428. The corner profile is kept in place since the centralframe element 428 is pressed between the inner edge portions 412′, 414′.In FIG. 8, the gap between the peripheral edges of the panels 412 and414 is larger. As can be seen, the inner edge portions 412′, 414′ areonly in contact with the retaining border element 430, which issufficient for ensuring that the corner profile 410 is kept in place,and the frame elements 416 and 422 are properly engaged with the outeredge portions 412″ and 414″.

[0044] Opposite the retaining border element 430, the central frameelement 428 has a longitudinal profiled border element 444 with twoshort lips 446 and 446′, each protruding towards one of the first 416and second 422 frame elements. Each of the first 416 and second 422frame elements comprises an extended lip 448, resp. 448′, protruding ontheir rear side, adapted to engage with the corresponding short lip 446,resp. 446′, of the profiled border element 444 when the corner profile410 is compressed.

[0045] Preferred materials for the rigid parts of the presentedembodiments (FIGS. 1 to 9), i.e. first, second frame elements, as wellas the central frame element and the spacing structure, are polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonate. The elastic parts, i.e. the transverseand connecting webs interconnecting the frame elements, are preferablymade of an olefin thermoplastic polymer. It is to be noted that thepresented connecting profiles and corner profile can be manufactured byco-extrusion processes, which are relatively simple to implement andquick.

1-13. (canceled).
 14. An extruded connecting profile for two panelshaving peripheral edges, said connecting profile comprising: a firstframe element having a front side and an opposite rear side, said frontside being shaped for engaging a peripheral edge of a first panel ofsaid two panels; a second frame element having a front side and anopposite rear side, said front side being shaped for engaging aperipheral edge of a second panel of said two panels, which is adjacentto said peripheral edge of said first panel; and an elastic structureextending between said first and second frame elements, said elasticstructure being co-extruded with said first and second frame elementsand consisting of a material having a higher elasticity than thematerial of said first and second frame elements; wherein said first andsecond frame elements are essentially parallel to each other; and saidelastic structure comprises two transverse webs, each of them joiningsaid rear side of said first frame element to said rear side of saidsecond frame element.
 15. The extruded connecting profile according toclaim 14, wherein said transverse webs are symmetrically arranged. 16.The extruded connecting profile according to claim 14, wherein saidperipheral edges of said first and second panels comprise chamferedcorners; each of said first and second frame elements has a pair oflongitudinal profiled border elements, said profiled border elementseach defining an oblique border surface on said front sides, so thatsaid front sides are adapted to engage said chamfered corners.
 17. Theextruded connecting profile according to claim 16, wherein each of saidprofiled border elements comprises a lip protruding on the rear side ofsaid first frame element and said second frame element respectively. 18.The extruded connecting profile according to claim 17, wherein said lipsof said profiled border elements of said first frame element are adaptedto engage with said lips of said profiled border elements of said secondframe element, when said extruded connecting profile is compressed. 19.The extruded connecting profile according to claim 14, wherein saidfirst and second frame elements are made of polymethyl methacrylate orpolycarbonate and said elastic structure is made of an olefinthermoplastic polymer.
 20. An extruded connecting profile for a multiplepanel structure comprising: a first extruded connecting profile asdefined in claim 14, to be mounted between a first pair of adjacentpanels; a second extruded connecting profile as defined in claim 14, tobe mounted between a second pair of adjacent panels, parallel to saidfirst pair of panels and spaced therefrom; and a spacing structureconnecting said first extruded connecting profile and said secondextruded connecting profile in-between said first and second pairs ofpanels.
 21. The extruded connecting profile according to claim 20,wherein said spacing structure is connected at one end to a first frameelement of the first connecting profile and is connected at the otherend to a first frame element of the second connecting profile.
 22. Anextruded corner profile for two panels forming a corner, said extrudedcorner profile comprising: a first frame element having a front side andan opposite rear side, said front side being shaped for engaging anouter edge portion of a peripheral edge of a first panel of said twopanels; a second frame element having a front side and an opposite rearside, said front side being shaped for engaging an outer edge portion ofa peripheral edge of a second panel of said two panels, said peripheraledge of said second panel being adjacent to said peripheral edge of saidfirst panel; a central frame element in-between said first and secondframe elements, said central frame element comprising about an inner enda longitudinal retaining border element for engaging inner edge portionsof said peripheral edges of said first and second panels, wherein saidfirst and second frame elements are each connected to said central frameelement by means of connecting webs, which are co-extruded with saidfirst, second and central frame elements and which are made of amaterial having a higher elasticity than that of said first, second andcentral frame elements.
 23. The extruded corner profile according toclaim 22, wherein said peripheral edges of said first and second panelscomprise chamfered corners; each of said first and second frame elementscomprises a longitudinal profiled border element adapted to engage achamfered outer edge portion.
 24. The extruded corner profile accordingto claim 23, wherein each of said longitudinal profiled border elementsof said first and second frame elements comprises a lip protruding onthe rear side of said first frame element, respectively said secondframe element; and said central frame element comprises a longitudinalprofiled border element opposite said inner end, having a first lipprotruding towards said border element of said first frame element and asecond lip protruding towards said border element of said second frameelement.
 25. The extruded corner profile according to claim 22, whereinsaid first, second, and central frame elements are made of polymethylmethacrylate or polycarbonate and said elastic structure is made of anolefin thermoplastic polymer.